HNC Graphic Design
Programme Specification Title of Programme: HNC Graphic Design This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if s/he takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. 1. Awarding Body Pearson BTEC 2. Teaching location Blossomfield Campus, Solihull College and university Centre 3. Accreditation details N/A 4. Final award Higher National Diploma 5. Name of award Higher National Diploma in Graphic Design 6. Codes a. UCAS code b. Solihull Qualification Code c. Pearson Programme Code (& approval dates) 7. QAA Subject Benchmark or other external reference 8. Date this specification applies from Approved 012W CARAA092BCF1 MP677 (1/9/10 31/12/17) Art & Design / History of art, architecture and design (2008) 01 09-2011 Arlene Burnett Head of School Visual & Performing Arts
Educational Aims of the Programme This HND programme is designed to provide students with the integrated knowledge of Graphic Design skills and processes which they can exploit or develop in a commercial or individual capacity. Special emphasis is placed on the use of new technology as an aid to design with access to computers, scanners, digital cameras and printers. The broad aims of the programme are as follows: To provide a higher education foundation for a range of creative, technical and management careers in graphics To provide specialised studies in areas of Graphic Design in which students intend to seek employment To enable students to make an immediate contribution to employment To provide flexibility, knowledge, skills and motivation as a basis for future studies and career development To develop a range of skills and techniques, personal qualities and attitudes essential for successful performance in professional working life
Intended Learning Outcomes The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, skills, qualities and other attributes in the following areas: Subject knowledge and critical understanding includes: Awareness of key aspects of art and design in their historical, cultural and professional context Knowledge and understanding of the contribution of key practitioners to the discipline A broad range of approaches to the solution of design problems directed to specific target audiences An understanding of technological innovation and its potential regarding the development of Graphic Design Economic factors, business systems, marketing strategies, legislation and responsibilities influencing the designer and client The basic legal, ethical and safety issues underpinning professional practice Higher level academic/ intellectual skills includes The ability to: Research analysis and evaluation of a range of design problems and solutions Synthesise information drawn from appropriate theoretical, experimental, and Professional contexts to solve problems Make critical judgements to assist in solving complex design problems Analyse and reflect on personal progress in course-related activities and critiques Higher practical and professional skills includes: Critical and analytical skills employed in the research, development and resolution of creative ideas and in the synthesis of theory and practice Ability to work co-operatively as part of team (creative pairs), and design teams of more than 3 Development of practical and technical skills appropriate to the articulation of their ideas Deploy ideas-generating techniques t o support creative thinking. Plan, design and communicate the findings for an individual design brief. Utilise and apply software packages effectively to the analysis and resolution of design problems
Ability to study independently, set goals and manage their own workloads and meet deadlines. Employ divergent and convergent thinking in the process of investigation. Apply resourcefulness and entrepreneurial skills to support their own practice. Use and comprehend images in relation to function and relationship to language Higher Level transferable skills development includes: Information technology Numeracy. Written and oral communication (including formal presentation). Team working (including interpersonal skills). Managing tasks including identifying and solving problems. Monitoring and developing their own performance. Teaching and Learning Methods The following learning opportunities are provided to enable learners to develop and demonstrate their achievement of learning outcomes: Acquisition of core knowledge is through a mixture of briefings and group critiques, demonstrations and practical s, lectures/presentations, tutorials, group seminars and directed study Intellectual skills are developed through discussion and debate in group critique and tutorial sessions culminating in the preparation and presentation of a project brief. Industrial visits are arranged to practising designers, exhibitions, seminars, including an annual design field trip to London to contribute to the development of professional and practical skills. Common skills such as oral and written communication will be developed in group and tutorial sessions, and particularly through live design briefs Acquisition of knowledge and understanding is integrated where possible with the delivery of practical work and the development of students personal portfolios. Assessment methods Assessment activities provide major opportunities for learning. Assessment criteria are linked to individual module outcomes. Assessment methods include: Creative briefs, including live briefs from Industry Design Report evaluations Written Essays Oral presentations Practical Assessments Independent Research projects
Portfolio/exhibition/interview Programme Structure HND Assessment methods will vary for different modules. Each module will include a variety of methods from the list above. Units shown are HND where appropriate for Level 4/5. Student commences HE study at Level 1 Edexel HND GRAPHIC DESIGN CORE UNITS All students complete 4 at HNC level, Tutor Level Credit 1 Visual Communication in Art and Design Neil Duffy 4 15 2 Ideas Generation and Development in Art and Design Neil Duffy 4 15 3 Contextual and Cultural Referencing in Art and Design Steve Riley 4 15 4 Professional Practice in Art and Design Neil Duffy 5 15 SPECIALIST UNITS All students to complete 4 Units to complete achievement at HNC to the required level of credits. 18 Advertising Campaigns Neil Duffy 4 15 26 Typographic Ideas Neil Duffy 5 15 30 Visual Communication in Graphic Design Neil Duffy 4 15 86 Digital Media in Art and Design Neil Duffy 4 15 Achievement To achieve the Higher National Certificate at Level 4, students must achieve a minimum of 120 credits Total from the above Units.
Units: Edexel HNC Graphic Design Unit 1. Visual Communication in Art and Design (15 Credits Level 4) Core Unit Year 1 Learners will be expected to develop an understanding of the role and responsibilities of the Graphic Designer in a commercial context and to acquire the ability to communicate ideas through drawing and other visual techniques and skills. Learners need to engage in integrated research to include analysis of the brief, preparation of initial ideas, market research, investigation and practical exploration into materials, processes and techniques: On successful completion of this unit a learner will: 1. Be able to communicate ideas and concepts by researching visual techniques 2. Be able to select visual communication techniques to realise creative intentions 3. Be able to produce work which demonstrates the use of visual communication 4. Understand the potential for personal development through the application of new approaches to visual communication. Unit 2. Ideas Generation and development in Art and Design (15 Credits Level 4) Core Unit Year 1 This unit introduces a number of idea-generating techniques to demonstrate that creative thinking is a skill that can be continually developed. Evidence of thinking on paper may take the form of open-ended idea sheets and visual/verbal mind maps. Learners will be encouraged to originate ideas which fulfil visual communication objectives. Learners will also be required to use mark-making techniques to express their ideas on paper and they should be able to identify the cultural contexts in which their ideas work. Selection, review and development of ideas should be evidenced in sketchbooks, design sheets, thumbnails or concept sheets: On successful completion of this unit a learner will: 1. Be able to exploit idea-generating techniques 2. Be able to implement complex ideas visually 3. Be able to express ideas using visual techniques 4. Understand the cultural contexts in which ideas are visually transmitted.
Unit 3. Contextual and Cultural Referencing in Art and Design (15 Credits Level 4) Core Unit Year 1 This unit develops learners knowledge of the cultural history and social theory which informs current thought and debate across the visual arts. Emphasis is on research and study skills and on learners acquiring source material and knowledge. On successful completion of this unit a learner will: 1. Be able to undertake in-depth research 2. Understand influences on art and design activities and outcomes through the interpretation and analysis of information 3. Be able to assess, interpret and evaluate information 4. Be able to evaluate and present conclusions. Unit 4. Professional Practice in Art and Design (15 Credits Level 5) Core Unit Year 2 This unit serves to evaluate and assimilate learners skills to provide a coherent, creative and professional portfolio of work which can be used for subsequent interviews and presentations. Portfolios will be focused on individual career paths and learners will also prepare for their future, through participation in self-analysis and reflection, recognition of strengths and weaknesses, goal setting, practicing interview techniques and making applications for jobs. On successful completion of this unit a learner will: 1. Be able to place themselves and their work in the context of their selected discipline 2. Understand their specialist area and the career opportunities available 3. Be able to develop and present a professional portfolio in an appropriate format 4. Understand how to promote themselves and their work professionally.
Unit 18. Advertising Campaigns (15 Credits Level 4) Specialist Unit Year 1 This unit is about the production of advertising. Learners will study the operations and functions of advertising agencies, learn how advertising objectives are defined and gain an understanding of the process of developing advertising strategies. By devising advertisements in response to advertising briefs, learners will develop an understanding of how advertising campaigns work. On successful completion of this unit a learner will: 1. Understand roles and functions within an advertising agency 2. Understand advertising campaigns 3. Be able to develop an advertising strategy 4. Be able to create advertisements for print and digital media. Unit 26. Typographic Ideas (15 Credits Level 4) Specialist Unit Year 1 Through practical work, learners will produce experimental design solutions which explore how typographic design can be used to alter or influence the meaning of words. On successful completion of this unit a learner will: 1. Understand the form and function of typography 2. Be able to produce experimental design ideas to challenge current typographic practice 3. Be able to use typographic design to alter or enhance meaning in arranged words. Unit 86. Digital Media in Art and Design (15 Credits Level 4) Specialist Unit Year 1 The aim of this unit is to develop learners skills with digital media, combined with the ability to translate ideas from research and drawings into computer-aided design work and visuals. Learners should be given the opportunity to develop their in-depth knowledge of software and be able to communicate ideas using a variety of specialist CAD packages. On successful completion of this unit a learner will: 1. Understand the scope and potential of digital media in art and design 2. Know how to apply and utilise software in specialist pathway 3. Be able to exploit the potential of software applications creatively and effectively 4. Be able to present design work using digital applications.
Unit 30. Visual Communication in Graphic Design (15 Credits Level 4) Specialist Unit Learners will explore historical and contemporary graphic work to develop understanding of how visual language is used to communicate with an intended audience, purchaser or user. Tutor-led discussion of others use of visual language and analysis of the meanings and methods will be needed to encourage learners to develop and apply analytical skills at a suitable level. Critiques of work and peer review can provide a forum for considering the application of principles to practical work. Learners will apply their skill and understanding of visual language to create work that effectively communicates meaning to an intended audience. Learners will experiment with traditional and digital media in practical investigations which focus on making images in both a literal and abstract sense. On successful completion of this unit a learner will: 1. Understand how to analyse the use of drawing media, materials and techniques 2. Be able to use experimental visual language to communicate meaning, messages and information 3. Be able to produce visual communication outcomes 4. Be able to evaluate use of visual communication in own graphic design.
Support for Students and Their Learning Pearson BTEC Level 4 HNC in Graphic Design A course induction programme is held in September introducing new students to the subject of study, higher level skills that need to be developed, and the college facilities (including the library, IT facilities, staff and other students). College and course/ module handbooks available in print and electronic format on Moodle. Personal and academic support is integrated in teaching provided by supportive and accessible tutors and identified 1:1 support sessions are also available. A modern well-equipped library and Up-to-date ICT equipment. Study skills sessions integrated in programme. Personal development planning sessions integrated into programme Up-to-date Computer laboratories with specialist Macintosh computer facilities for computer networking and multimedia computing. Access to counsellors and support for students with special needs. Written assignment / assessment feedback (normally provided with 3 weeks of assessment submission). Regular 1:1 and group tutorial support Access to regularly updated course section and college wide sections on the college s intranet Moodle Dedicated HE Graphics studio for taught sessions
Criteria for Admission HNC Graphic Design To enrol, you will need one of the requirements outlined below: 96 UCAS Tariff points (from appropriate qualification at Level 3). (See UCAS Tariff Tables). Pass in Foundation Diploma in Art and Design with Graphics specialism BTEC Extended National Diploma in Graphic Design MMM profile. BTEC National Diploma in Graphic Design MM profile 64 tariff points. Art and Design Access course with a minimum of 45 graded level 3 units at least 10 of which Merit level grade. 2 GCSE A levels (C or above, at least one should be in a relevant subject). Plus GCSE grade 4/C in English and Maths (or Level 2 equivalents). A creative portfolio of work will be required at interview for all students attending interview this can be both traditional and digital based. All students who are non-native English speakers or who have not studied the final two years of school in English can demonstrate capability in English at a standard commensurate to IELTS 5.5, with a minimum of 5.0 being awarded on individual sections for a level 4 or 5 qualification. Mature students, who do not meet these academic qualifications, will have relevant work or life experience taken into consideration.
Progression Upon successful completion of the HNC in Graphic Design, students have the option of applying for a second year of study on the HND Graphic Design course. Evaluating the Quality of Teaching and Learning Student evaluation questionnaires for modules on the programme On line college and national surveys Student and staff PQB meetings twice a year The ways in which the quality of this programme is checked, both inside and outside the college, are: External Examiners, who produce an annual report Professional body accreditation/inspection visits Annual module review. Periodic programme review. Invitation to attend Programme Quality Boards
Regulation of Assessment The programme is the subject of an Annual Monitoring Report (AMR) the last section of which is a Quality Improvement Plan (QIP), written by the course leader with help and input from the teaching and tutoring team this is passed to the Head of School of Art for audit and from them to the quality unit for further audit and acceptance as part of the College plan. Assessment rules and regulations and quality standards are those that are laid down in the Quality standards requirements of the College Academic Board. Assessment and assessment vehicles are regulated by the internal verification system for each programme which is itself audited by the quality unit within the College and also by the External Verifier appointed by Pearson. External verification of assessment and of the provision and standards of teaching are regulated by BTEC Pearson and their quality unit, the programme has to seek approval for continuance every 5 years. Their requirements are monitored annually by the visit and report of their appointed external verifier. Also the programme is the subject of periodic review by QAA, ensuring that national benchmarks are met throughout the programme. Enhancement A detailed action plan is provided in each faculty AMR report and progress in achieving enhancements is regularly reviewed. Good practice in teaching and learning is developed and disseminated through regular staff development workshops and through participation in internal verification of completed student work. Staff development activities are discussed at annual appraisal interviews and are actively encouraged to develop their professional practice and industrial experience. Programme Resources Dedicated Higher Education Graphics teaching studio with Macintosh computers and industry software. Dedicated Higher Education open Access computing area. Student resource facility for the loan of specialist equipment (e.g. lap top computers, digital cameras, video cameras etc.) Well stocked library with frequent review and update of Art and Design books, magazines and industry journals. E-library resources.
Student Employability HNC/ HND Graphic Design This programme is part of Solihull College and university Centre s commitment to meeting the needs of local, national and international employers by delivering a diverse range of educational models including part-time and work-based study for learners drawn from non-traditional backgrounds in addition to internal progressions from FE vocational programmes. As part of this commitment, the HNC/ HND Graphic Design will: 1. Support students by providing professional, impartial advice and guidance to enable students to make considered career decisions before and during their studies to enable them to be prepared for their future employment and development by: 1.1. identifying the skills needed for progression into employment, 1.2. Enhancing their existing employment prospects. 2. Provide subject-related resources and information on local, national and international labour markets; 3. Be responsive to the needs of employers in order to maximise students employability and career progression prospects; 4. Include study skills which will improve students academic writing and research capabilities to enable further study and facilitate career progression; 5. Support equality and diversity, and minimise barriers to learning, as described in the college s Equality Policy which can be found on the website under Mission and Policies. 6. Ensure that employers play a key part in module content, course design and assessment criteria by formally seeking their views through employer forums, staff liaison visits, Regular tutor meetings with industry groups to help to ensure that the course content meets industry expectations and requirements; 7. Provide students with assistance in finding work placements which provide appropriate developmental opportunities and relate to current or intended career interests.
Document History 1. Original approval date 1.9.2011 2. Revised copy submitted 17.10.13 3. Revised 21.1.2014 4. Revised 3.7.15 5. Reviewed Feb 2017 Programme Leader Web address Date checked against public information Specification Author Neil Duffy www.solihull.ac.uk 21.2.17 Neil Duffy
HNC/ HND GRAPHIC DESIGN - Intended learning outcomes Curriculum Map Module code Unit no. Title KCU A1 KCU A2 KC U A3 KC U A4 KC U A5 J/601/6374 1 Visual comm in A&D X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X F/6015403/ 2 Ideas Gen and Dev in A&D X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X D/601/6378 3 Contextual & cultural ref in A&D X X X X X X X X X X D/601/6381 4 Professional practice in A&D X X X X X X X X X X L/601/0995 5 Project design, imp & evaluation X X X X X X X X X X X X L/601/5419 6 Critical Study in A&D X X X X X X X X X X T/601/5415 8 Ideas in Context X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X F/601/6504 18 Advertising Campaigns X X X X X X X X X X X X X D/601/5411 19 Art Direction for Advertising X X X X X X X X X X X X X K/601/6335 25 Advanced Type design X X X X X X X X X X X AH/601/633 4 26 Typographic ideas X X X X X X X X X X X Y/601/6315 28 Editorial Design X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Y/601/6313 29 Corporate Identity in GD X X X X X X X X X X X X X X D/601/6395 30 Visual Communication in GD X X X X Y/601/6248 32 Packaging in Graphic Design X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X H/601/6608 86 Digital Media in A&D X X X X X X X X X X AIS B1 AIS B2 AIS B3 AIS B4 PP S C1 PP S C2 PP S C3 PP S C4 PP S C5 TS D D1 TS D D2 TS D D3 TS D D4 TS D D5 CORE OPTIONAL The categories are: KCU: Knowledge and Critical Understanding- Specifically AIS: Academic/Intellectual Skills- Course related PPS: Practical and Professional Skills- Generally related to professional skills TSD: Transferable Skills Development- Related to interpersonal development
HNC/ HND GRAPHIC DESIGN - Intended learning outcomes The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, skills, qualities and other attributes in the following areas: (KCU) Subject knowledge and critical understanding includes: A1 - Awareness of key aspects of art and design in their historical, cultural and professional context A2 - Knowledge and understanding of the contribution of key practitioners to the discipline A3 - A broad range of approaches to the solution of design problems directed to specific target audiences A4 - An understanding of technological innovation and its potential regarding the development of Graphic Design A5 - Economic factors, business systems, marketing strategies, legislation and responsibilities influencing the designer and client (AIS) Higher level academic/ intellectual skills includes The ability to: B1 - Research analysis and evaluation of a range of design problems and solutions B2 - Synthesise information drawn from appropriate theoretical, experimental, and professional contexts to solve problems B3 - Make critical judgements to assist in solving complex design problems B4 - Analyse and reflect on personal progress in course-related activities and critiques (PPS) Higher practical and professional skills include: C1 - Critical and analytical skills employed in the research, development and resolution of creative ideas and in the synthesis of theory and practice C2 - Ability to work co-operatively as part of team (creative pairs), and design teams of more than 3 C3 - Development of practical and technical skills appropriate to the articulation of their ideas C4 - Deploy ideas-generating techniques to support creative thinking. C5 - Plan, design and communicate the findings for an individual design brief. Utilise and apply software packages effectively to the analysis and resolution of design problems (TSD) Higher Level transferable skills development includes: D1 - Information technology D2 - Numeracy. D3 -Written and oral communication (including formal presentation ). D4 -Team working (including interpersonal skills). D5 - Monitoring and developing their own performance.